ARLINGTON, Va. - NAFCU recently announced the winners of its 2004 "Beyond Expectations" Awards Competition. Categories include Professional of the Year, Federal Credit Union of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year broken down into two size categories for credit unions below $150 million in assets and credit unions over $150 million. Federal Credit Union of the Year was awarded to Dow Louisiana Federal Credit Union (below $150 million in assets) and Vons Employees Federal Credit Union (more than $150 million in assets). DLFCU opened its first branch outside the Dow plant last year, was one of the first credit unions in the state adding underserved parishes, and became the first Baton Rouge credit union to begin indirect lending with auto and boat dealerships. By supporting its core membership base and strategically investing in the local community, Vons Employees FCU took the biggest challenge in its history-the largest, longest, most costly retail strike-and converted it to its most successful year ever with an 11.1% share increase. Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union CEO James H. McDaniel (under $150 million) and Barksdale Federal Credit Union President and CEO Arno Easterly (over $150 million in assets) were honored as Professional of the Year. Under McDaniel's watch, Carolina Trust made numerous improvements and additions including the Symitar Computer System, E-Z Access Home Banking online, the E-Z PAY Bill Payment Service online, a free financial education service, and discounted medical prescription services for members through a third party vendor. At Barksdale, Easterly has managed to help the credit union maintain its 1.45% ROA while experiencing unprecedented growth and stability in 2003. Chris Yarnell of YOUR Federal Credit Union was named Volunteer of the Year (under $150 million in assets), as was T.S. Jones of Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union for credit unions over $150 million. Yarnell has served as Treasurer of YOUR Federal Credit Union for the last 25 years and is ready and able to analyze market data, view potential, and considers service to members with an eye toward the future. In his 40th year of service as a volunteer for Hudson Valley, Jones currently serves as chair and places member service above all else while emphasizing that with employees as well. All winners will be recognized in a special ceremony at NAFCU's 37th Annual Conference and Exhibition, July 14-17, 2004, in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. NAFCU also selected 14 credit unions in seven different categories for marketing awards out of 200 entries.